IMPERSONATOR MAKING ARREST OR SEARCH – 18 U.S. CODE § 913

Most states have laws that make it a crime to impersonate someone else, mainly when conducting business or performing government functions.

But when that impersonation extends to pretending to be a federal officer, agent, or employee, it becomes a federal crime. This is because people’s trust in government hinges partly on interactions with the people who represent the government, and false impersonation at that level impacts public trust.

Specifically, suppose you are accused of impersonating a federal agent, officer, or employee and making an arrest or conducting an illegal search. In that case, you could be charged with a federal crime under Title 18 U.S.C. 913. if you’re convicted, you could face up to three years in prison and significant fines.